I use Ubuntu. Try to stay away from the exotic distributions since I am familiar with Ubuntu and it seems to be well supported for both the desktop and server.
Ubuntu is now running on the Raspberry Pi (sort of). It is still a little clunky but I am expecting that it will be more reliable in the future.
1. I am using it right now in a Windows VM as I post this this message. It is secure and private and is safe from prying eyes. Remember that big tech collect your personal information. Also, it is easy to kill the installation and then reinstall it in the virtual software.
2. I have installed it on two computers as music servers that run 24/7 to our home network. Any device on my network can play our music library.
3. I have created an email server that is designed for family and friends communication if/when big tech starts censor my speech. It works really well and is free other than the hours I spent getting it running. It is encrypted from prying eyes. We have learned in recent years that big tech and big government was to regulate speech and it will only get worse.
I think that they still offer a 32bit version for really old computers. I installed it on 15 year old laptop and it ran fine until the laptop finally gave up the ghost.
Lastly, I think that I am due to make a donation. I have certainly benefited from “free” Linux.
My work issued laptop is Windows 10. Hate it. Hate everything about it. I'd designed and engineered a Cloud VPN solution using Microsoft Azure and included Active Directory w/Ubuntu integration. So I can login to our brand spanking new Azure Cloud VPN implementation using my own Ubuntu desktop, authenticate with Active Direcotory and 2FA and do my work now. I use Outlook Web Access for email, O365 Web Based for work and when I have to create engineering diagrams I use Draw.IO
I'd like to send my work laptop back but they won't let me. LOL!
I agree that Ubuntu is the best supported and most reliable version available, I don't think I care that I'm not always on the latest and greatest Kernel. I'm ok being -1 on the Kernel and am willing to sacrifice for stability.
I have a Raspberry Pi 4 that I've been wanting to get Ubuntu onto. It's sitting within arms reach as I type, I'll probably get to that this week ... then I've been saying that for about a year or so now, so time to do it.